Arsenal strike ‘total agreement’ for £51m deal as Gunners ‘in talks’ with 13-goal striker

Arsenal Football Club is in the midst of an important transfer window, as they aim to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season. With key players such as Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka sidelined due to injury, the club’s need for additional attacking power has become even more urgent. Sitting second in the Premier League, Arsenal trails Liverpool by four points and is working hard to secure their position at the top. Their performance in the 2-1 win against rivals Tottenham Hotspur on January 14, 2025, has highlighted the team’s resilience but also underscored the need for reinforcements to maintain their competitive edge.

Arsenal’s win over Tottenham was crucial in keeping them within touching distance of Liverpool, but their ongoing injury woes have exposed gaps in the squad that need urgent attention. With both Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka out injured, Arsenal has been left relying on other attacking players to step up. In particular, Leandro Trossard and Martin Ødegaard have had to take on more responsibility in the absence of key figures. However, as the season progresses and the stakes rise, the Gunners need to ensure that they have the depth and quality required to challenge for the Premier League title and perform in the knockout stages of European competitions.

Despite the challenges, the victory against Spurs demonstrated Arsenal’s ability to fight through adversity. Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard’s goals ensured that they secured all three points at home, which helped the team bounce back from previous setbacks. However, it’s clear that Mikel Arteta, the club’s manager, is looking for more options in attack to provide both competition and cover for the existing players.

One of the key names that have surfaced in Arsenal’s transfer discussions is Benjamin Sesko, the 21-year-old striker currently playing for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Sesko has been in impressive form this season, scoring 13 goals in 26 appearances across all competitions. His overall record at Leipzig stands at 31 goals in 67 games since joining the club in 2023. His performances have attracted attention from top European clubs, and Arsenal has reportedly held talks with Leipzig regarding a potential move.

Sesko’s playing style is a combination of technical skill, physical presence, and a keen eye for goal, which has made him an appealing prospect for Arsenal. His ability to hold off defenders, link up play, and score goals from different positions makes him an attractive option for Arteta, who has long admired the Slovenian forward. Although still relatively young, Sesko’s potential to grow into a top-tier striker aligns well with Arsenal’s long-term vision, especially as they continue to evolve under Arteta’s stewardship.

RB Leipzig will likely face a battle to keep hold of Sesko, as the player’s development has caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. If Arsenal were to complete a deal for him, it would represent a significant investment in their future, with the player being seen as a long-term solution to their attacking needs. Given his ability to operate as a versatile forward, Sesko could seamlessly fit into Arsenal’s tactical setup, and his presence would offer Arteta greater flexibility in attack.

In addition to pursuing attacking reinforcements, Arsenal is also looking to bolster their midfield options. The Gunners have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, a move that would strengthen their central midfield department. Zubimendi, 25, has been with Sociedad since the beginning of his professional career and has impressed with his performances in both domestic and international competitions.

Zubimendi’s ability to break up opposition attacks, distribute the ball efficiently, and offer defensive cover makes him an excellent fit for Arsenal’s midfield, where he would complement the likes of Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, and Declan Rice. His experience at the international level, where he helped Spain win Euro 2024 in Germany, adds to his credentials as a player ready for the demands of top-flight football.

This move would likely be seen as part of Arteta’s broader plan to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. With a well-rounded midfield, Arsenal would be better equipped to navigate the challenges of the Premier League and European competitions, ensuring they have the depth required to sustain their title challenge and push for silverware.

With the January transfer window closing at the end of the month, Arsenal has limited time to finalize their deals. Arteta has already spoken about his satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly after the win over Tottenham, but he knows that the club’s ambitions cannot be realized without further reinforcements. The Gunners must act quickly to secure the players they need before the window closes, especially as competition for these top targets intensifies.

Following the win against Spurs, Arteta emphasized the importance of building on the momentum generated by that result. His comments reflected the optimism surrounding Arsenal’s season, but he also acknowledged the challenges ahead. “We have the opportunity to make a lot of our supporters very happy because it’s the most special day of the season, and I think we’ve done that,” he said. Arteta is fully aware that to maintain this momentum, the club must strengthen its squad and ensure they have the necessary depth to cope with injuries and fixture congestion in the months ahead.

As Arsenal continues their pursuit of the Premier League title, the need for squad depth has never been more apparent. The injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka have shown how thin the margin for error can be at the top level. Arteta’s ability to rotate his squad effectively and bring in fresh faces will be crucial as the season progresses. The addition of players like Benjamin Sesko and Martin Zubimendi would provide the team with more options and help alleviate the pressure on key players.

Arsenal’s squad has shown its quality, but as the competition intensifies, having a deep, versatile squad will be essential in ensuring that they can maintain their title challenge. If Arteta can successfully integrate these new signings into the team, Arsenal will be in a strong position to mount a serious challenge for both domestic and European glory.

Arsenal’s focus for the next few weeks will be on continuing their strong performances in the Premier League while also finalizing their January signings. The club’s next fixtures include a crucial match against Aston Villa, followed by other key Premier League encounters that could have a significant impact on their title aspirations. Arteta and his team know that every point matters as they chase Liverpool at the top of the table.

Off the pitch, the transfer window remains a critical focus for the club’s hierarchy. With the clock ticking down, Arsenal’s recruitment team will be working hard to complete their negotiations and ensure that Arteta has the tools he needs to strengthen his squad. Whether they can land their key targets or look elsewhere for reinforcements, the coming weeks will be decisive in shaping the rest of Arsenal’s season

Arsenal’s pursuit of both Benjamin Sesko and Martin Zubimendi reflects the club’s ambition to reinforce their squad and stay competitive in both domestic and European competitions. With key players sidelined due to injury, Arteta’s ability to add new talent in January will be crucial to their success this season. As Arsenal looks to build on their strong start and maintain their place in the Premier League’s upper echelons, the club’s transfer activity will be closely watched by fans and rivals alike.0

With only a few weeks left in the January transfer window, Arsenal’s ability to strike deals and strengthen their squad will determine how well they can navigate the challenges ahead. The race for the Premier League title is far from over, and Arsenal will need every ounce of quality and depth to ensure they remain in contention for the top spot.